Thoroughly impressed
I’ve used the 312 and 624 MHz versions of the X30 for the last couple of weeks and I’m thoroughly impressed. I have installed a variety of programs on these units and other than a few software-related glitches, they have been very stable. I did not have to do any soft resets on either unit nor have I noticed any performance issues.
Although the Second Edition software supports VGA displays, the X30 is based on the X3 design and comes with a standard quarter VGA (240x320 pixel) color touch screen. However, you can switch between portrait and landscape display on the fly and this is a feature to die for!
(above) Fig. 4: The built-in Switcher feature places an icon in the Title bar of all applications. Tap on it to adjust brightness and power settings, switch between open applications, and close down programs.
(above) Fig. 5: Dell Axim Self Diagnostics helps you troubleshoot problems with a variety of hardware features on the Axim X30.
Three versions of the X30 will be available:
The high-end model ($349) will come with the 624 MHz processor, 64MB SDRAM, 64MB flash ROM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a data cradle.
The mid-range model ($249) will come with the 312 MHz processor, 64MB SDRAM, 64MB flash ROM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a sync cable.
The low-end model ($199) will come with the 312 MHz processor, 32MB SDRAM, 32MB flash ROM, infrared wireless only, and a sync cable.
I do wish you could turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on separately, and I don’t like the fact that you have to disable and then re-enable wireless after an automatic power-down. But I love the fast new processor, the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software. In addition to VGA and landscape support, the new software incorporates some minor but nice enhancements to Pocket Internet Explorer, Transcriber, the Start menu, and Wi-Fi network security. The X30 is the first PXA270 device on the market and the price tag makes it a bargain.
* * *
The Intel PXA270 processor
Intel latest mobile device processor includes enhanced power, media, and security features:
Processor speeds up to 624 MHz.
Includes XScale and wireless MMX technology.
Multimedia accelerator delivers "ultra-low power" multimedia performance for wireless clients. This supports higher quality video playback and enhanced gaming experience.
Advanced camera interface based on Intel Quick Capture technology supports the creation of devices with integrated 4+ megapixel cameras. Also supports fast, full-motion video encoding and supports multiple image resolutions.
Reduced power consumption via Intel SpeedStep technology enhances battery life of handheld devices.
Security features based on Intel Wireless Trusted Platform technology, along with support for VPN, SSl, OMA-DRM, and IMEI security protocols.
Fast access to wireless data is supported by Intel Mobile Scalable Link technology, which provides a link of up to 416 Mbps between communications and applications processors.
* * *
Spec Sheet
Dell Axim X30 Pocket PC
Mfg. price:
Axim X30 High—$349 (with 624 MHz CPU, 64MB SDRAM, 64MB flash ROM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Axim X30 Mid—$249 (with 312 MHz CPU, 64MB SDRAM, 64MB flash ROM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Axim X30 Low—$199 (with 312 MHz CPU, 32MB SDRAM, 32MB flash ROM, no wireless)
Contact:http://www.dell.com
Hardware
CPU: 624 (High) or 312 MHz (Mid and Low) Intel PXA270 processor with XScale technology
Display: 3.5-inch diagonal, 240x320 pixel, 65K-color transflective touch screen
Memory: 64 MB SDRAM (Mid and High) or 32MB SDRAM (Low), 64 MB flash ROM (Mid and High) or 32 MB flash ROM (Low). 30.88 MB of flash ROM in the Mid and High models is available for data and file storage
Input: Pen entry with handwriting recognition, soft keyboard, scroll dial, voice memo record button, wireless on/off button (wireless models only), Media Player on/off button (Low end model), 4 application launch buttons, 4-way navigation button with select button in the center, microphone for voice recording
Built-in wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Mid and High models), IrDA (all models)
External ports: USB/power port for connecting to PC and charging device, 3.5 mm stereo earphone mini jack
Card slots: SD card slot (SDIO compatible)
Battery/continuous use on fully charged battery: 950 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion / 2.5 hours (mfg. est.)
User-replaceable battery: Yes
Dimensions/weight: 4.6 x 3.0 x 0.6 in (11.6 x 7.7 x 1.5 cm) / 4.7 oz (134 g)
Other features: LEDs that indicate charging, wireless status, appointments, alarms, and system information
In the package: Axim X30, USB cradle (wireless models only), USB sync cable (low-end model), stylus, AC power adapter, charger adapter, companion CD, user guide
Optional accessories from manufacturer: Replacements for standard options, high-capacity (1800 mAh) battery, SD file storage cards, stylus 3-pak, screen protectors, automobile power adapter, external keyboard, Bluetooth external keyboard, Bluetooth GPS receiver with navigation software, leather carrying case, enhanced warranty options
Software
Microsoft software: Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Second Edition
OS: Windows CE 4.2
BUILT-IN: Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Inbox, Pocket Internet Explorer, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Notes, File Explorer, Windows Media Player 9.0, text and character entry software (soft keyboard, Transcriber, single-character handwriting recognition software), Pictures, Solitaire, Jawbreaker, Calculator, Voice Recorder, MS Messenger, landscape/portrait switcher, various other setup and configuration utilities, VPN Client, Server Sync client, Infrared Beaming, built-in support for external keyboard functions
USER-INSTALLABLE (on Microsoft companion CD or links to download): ActiveSync 3.7.1 (desktop PC software for desktop / Pocket PC synchronization), Outlook 2002 (desktop PC version), link to Windows Media Player 9.0 (desktop PC version), link to Avantgo, link to Pocket PC games site
OEM & 3rd party software: BUILT-IN: Backup utility, File Store, program switcher, power status, brightness, microphone gain control, version display, Dell WLAN utility (Wi-Fi models only), Funk Odyssey Client (LEAP support)
USER-INSTALLABLE: Full versions: Resco Picture Viewer, Dell Diagnostic Utility. Trial Versions: Agenda Fusion, CitiTime, eWallet, Full Hand Casino, Total Remote, Monopoly, Scrabble, Handy Zip, ListPro, McAfee VirusScan PDA, Resco File Explorer, Tennis Addict, Trip Tracker, Links Pocket PC, Pocket SlideShow, Cash Organizer 2003 Deluxe, Battery Pack 2004, Calligrapher.
Comments: Inexpensive wireless device, fast processor, latest version of Windows Mobile OS, small and lightweight device with a boxy design
* * *
Chris Leckness is a Pocket PC enthusiast that has admired and owned Pocket PC devices for the past three years. He is the founder of http://Aximsite.com, which is the number one independent Dell Axim resource online today. His desire to build a strong Pocket PC Communities prompted him to create a site dedicated to HP iPAQ users; http://iPaqHQ.com.
From the Judges of the Pocket PC magazine Best Software Awards 2003
Internet and Multimedia Applications
The purpose of publishing these experts’ comments is to give insights about a variety of programs, not necessarily to show how the judges voted. The winners and finalists of the 2003 Best Software Awards as well as information on the upcoming 2004 Awards can be found on our Web site (http://www.PocketPCmag.com/awards/main.asp). For the sake of brevity, we’ve included only one judge’s comment per product and edited each down to its essence.
Internet and multimedia applications are almost as popular with Pocket PC users as games, and our Best Software Awards judges had strong opinions about them.
Internet
Browsers and Web Utilities
* * *
Arne Hess (http://www.ppcw.net)MultiIE (http://www.multiie
.info) is still the best Pocket Internet Explorer enhancement available. Nothing compares to its features and ease of use! Its main feature, the ability to open multiple browser windows on the Pocket PC, is especially useful for surfing over a wireless connection because it reduces connection time.
* * *
Steven Hughes (http://www.bostonpocketpc.com)Pocket SpamFilter (http://www.pocketpcsoft.com) reduces your bandwidth usage by inspecting and filtering your e-mail account before messages are downloaded to your Pocket PC. It looks to be the next killer application!
(above) Pocket SpamFilter reduces connect time by filtering out spam before it’s downloaded to Inbox.
* * *
Matthew Miller (http://www.pdageek.com)NetFront (http://www.access-us-inc.com/Prod_NetFront_nf_ppc.html) adds page formatting, multiple page support, and other powerful tools that make browsing more enjoyable.
HTMLEdit (http://www.bnksoft.com) is a must-have application for those who want to create or update their site from a Pocket PC. It’s an excellent HTML editor with the ability to view source code or Web layout from the program. It also lets you connect to your FTP server and download or upload pages.
* * *
Jenneth Orantia (http://www.jenneth.info)Thunderhawk Browser (http://www.bitstream.com) has remarkable rendering technology that resizes desktop-sized pages to a Pocket PC-friendly format, making Web browsing an absolute delight. The hefty subscription fee and Bitstream’s use of an external server to resize each Web page means that this solution isn’t for the casual Web surfer.
(above) Thunderhawk is a Web browser/subscription solution that resizes Web pages to display well on the Pocket PC.
* * *
David Shier (http://www.BluetoothNews.com)PocketRSS (http://www.happyjackroad.com/AtomicDB) is a great way to view the day’s news by providing a synopsis on your Today screen, with links to the full stories. Despite the fact that PocketRSS is not intuitive to configure and the Help file does not show you how to do it, this one gets my first place vote because of its unique capabilities and usefulness.
(above) PocketRSS lets you access RSS-formatted news, sports, weblogs, etc., and display them on your Pocket PC.
Chat and Messaging
* * *
Helio Diamant (http://www.pocketpcfreak.com)RiteMail (http://www.ritemail.net) lets you create and send hand written e-mail messages from your Pocket PC. It’s a great product—both the idea behind it and the quality of the program earn it my 1st place.
(above) RiteMail: Create and send hand written e-mails with drawings, from your Pocket PC.
* * *
James Fee (http://www.aximsite.com)The iMov Universal Mobile Messenger (http://www.movsoftware.com) allows you to connect to Jabber servers as well as AIM, MSN Messenger, ICQ and Yahoo. It’s much easier than trying to load each client on your Pocket PC (you can’t even download Yahoo! Messenger anymore). While Jabber clients are not as popular right now, IBM and many other companies are supporting the product and you can bet you’ll see more of these clients in the future. In addition, iMov stands out because of its ease of use, encrypted communications, offline message queuing, client side logging, and Voice over IP capability. No other chat client comes close to this feature set.
News Readers
* * *
Matthew Miller (http://www.pdageek.com)InkSpot CE (http://www.dejavusoftware.com/inkce/index.html) makes browsing as well as responding to and writing posts in newsgroups enjoyable. The easy setup and readability of posts are the strengths of this program.
Terminals
* * *
Rob Borek (http://www.pocketpcone2one.com)PockeTTY (http://www.dejavusoftware.com/pocketty/index.html) is my choice for the best Pocket PC terminal program. It supports a wide range of secure connections, which is essential for configuring remote computers on the fly.
(above) PockeTTY is a terminal emulator that supports a wide range of connections.
Zterm (http://www.coolstf.com) is an excellent terminal program, but is hampered by the lack of breadth of secure connections.
vxHpc (http://www.cam.com/vxhpc.html) is probably the most mature of all the terminal applications. It is an excellent program for configuring serial-based devices such as routers.
Multimedia
Audio
* * *
Tom Cochrane (http://www.pocketpcportal.com)Audible Player (http://www.audible.com) makes my drive home bearable and informative. The thumb-sized button layout makes it easy to manage and control while driving or biking. Audible’s audio book selection is second to none!
* * *
Jenneth Orantia (http://www.jenneth.info)Pocket Player (http://www.conduits.com/products/player) has quickly ascended to the top of the music-playing heap, surpassing PocketMusic (the former leader) in feature set and user interface. Pocket Player has large "finger-friendly" buttons, on a not-to-busy screen, and the available skins (particularly "Brushed Metal") are stylish and elegant. The feature that really sets it apart from the competition is the taskbar plug-in, which lets you control the music without switching from the current program—absolutely genius!
(above) Pocket Player supports a variety of audio formats, streaming protocols, and features gapless playback and track cross-fading.
PocketMusic (http://www.pocketmind.com) and Pocket Player have a similar feature set, but PocketMusic excels in the wealth of skins that can be used to change the look of the program.
Graphic Design/Drawing
* * *
Shawna Kelly (http://www.artzest.com)Pocket Artist (http://www.conduits.com/products/artist) has an amazingly advanced feature set that reaches the closest to the level of the highly successful design applications that we have thrived with on the desktop. Its layers, levels, and other fine features offer the richest and most user-friendly capabilities!
(above) Pocket Artist lets you edit and retouch photos and images on you Pocket PC.
Photogenics (http://www.idruna.com/products.html) is worthy of recognition for its unique "fade out" technique that allows you to eliminate mistakes without having to redo the parts of the image you like. It is especially geared toward the creation of special effects and offers an impressive set of 60 image filters! It is strong enough in its effects specialty to merit owning it solo or along with Pocket Artist.
Image Management
* * *
Tom Cochrane (http://www.pocketpcportal.com)Resco Picture Viewer (http://www.resco-net.com/PicView.asp) is miles ahead of the other titles because of its intuitive design, superb quality, and rich feature set.
(above) Resco Picture Viewer turns your Pocket PC into a digital photo album.
* * *
Jen Edwards (http://www.pocketgoddess.com)PicturePerfect (http://www.applian.com/pocketpc/pictureperfect/index.php) edged out the others in this highly competitive category—it’s blazingly fast and very easy to use.
Music Composition
* * *
David Conger (http://www.davespda.com)Griff (http://www.planetgriff.com) is the most robust Pocket PC music composition tool to date. It not only includes a sequencer, a sampler, a variety of instruments, and special effects, it accepts plug-ins for more features. With all this and a slick interface, nothing really compares to Griff.
(above) Griff is sequencer software that allows you to create and edit songs and play them back at CD quality.
* * *
Markus Schweiger (http://www.pocket-expert.de)Pocket Drums (http://www.pdamusician.com/pocketdrums.html) is an outstanding application that makes it easy to define, edit, and play realistic-sounding drum patterns using bass, snare, high-hat, and six other drums. Connect your Pocket PC to stage speakers and nobody will believe it’s coming from a tiny handheld program.
Power Point and Presentation
* * *
Andrew Scott Conduits Pocket Slides (http://www.conduits.com/products/slides) won this category because of its comprehensive set of features and its ability to create new slides within an existing presentation
. At $40 it’s one of the most expensive applications available.
(above) Pocket Slides lets you create new presentations and edit existing ones on the Pocket PC.
If you don’t need all the features in this program, take a look at Pocket SlideShow (http://www.cnetx.com/SlideShow) or ClearVue Presentation (http://www.westtek.com/presppc.htm). The latter comes as part of ClearVue Suite, but is also available as a standalone product. It’s great for those wanting a straight forward viewer, and at $8.95 you can’t go wrong.
Video
* * *
Saar Avigour (http://www.pocket.co.il)PictPocket Cinema (http://www.digisoftdirect.com/products/pictpocketcinema.html) has what I look for in a video player and image viewer—the ability to display many popular formats. Not only can you play videos in AVI, MOV, MPEG (1, 2, 4), and WMV formats, you can display pictures in JPG, GIF, BMP, TIF, and a number of other image formats. In addition, you can zoom in and out on images and videos; adjust rotation, contrast, and brightness; set up slide shows with WAV audio included, play streamed video, and much more.
Pocket PC magazine, October/November 2004 Page 4